Techniques to facilitate acquiring a media season, or a related series, of digital media assets from an on-line media store are disclosed. A user can view various media seasons that have been listed as available for purchase from the on-line media store. A user can choose to purchase a particular media season, either before or during the season. Subsequent to the purchase of the particular media season, digital media assets of the particular media season can be delivered to the user once the digital media assets become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery can be automatically processed.
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1. A method for acquiring a related series of digital media assets from an on-line media store, said method comprising:
causing related series information pertaining to a plurality of related series of digital media assets that are available for purchase on the on-line media store to be presented on a display of a client device, at least a plurality of the related series having a plurality of episodes associated thereto;
receiving a selection of one of the related series of digital media assets to be purchased;
initiating purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets; and
permitting delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets from the on-line media store to the client device.
31. A media server, comprising:
at least one data storage device, said data storage device storing (i) season product information that contains characteristics on a plurality of related series, (ii) related series information, the related series, information relates a plurality of episodes to each of the plurality of related series, and (iii) the plurality of episodes or pointers thereto; and
a data processing unit operatively connected to said at least one data storage device, said data processing unit performing a purchase process to enable users to select one or more of the related series for purchase, said data processing unit further performing a fulfillment process to deliver, to the user that has purchased such, the episodes for the purchased one of more of the related series as they become available.
26. A computer readable medium including at least computer program code for acquiring a related series of digital media assets from an on-line media store, said computer readable medium comprising:
computer program code for presenting related series information pertaining to a plurality of related series of digital media assets that are available for purchase on the online media store, at least a plurality of the related series having a plurality of episodes associated thereto;
computer program code for receiving a selection of one of the related series of digital media assets to be purchased;
computer program code for initiating purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets; and
computer program code for permitting delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets.
2. The method as recited in
3. The method as recited in
4. The method as recited in
5. The method as recited in
6. The method as recited in
7. The method as recited in
8. The method as recited in
9. The method as recited in
10. The method as recited in
11. The method as recited in
12. The method as recited in
wherein as one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets become available, the one or more other of the digital media assets are made available to or provided to the client device.
13. The method as recited in
14. The method as recited in
15. The method as recited in
16. The method as recited in
17. The method as recited in
18. The method as recited in
wherein the purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets is at a total series cost, and
wherein the total series cost is less than the sum of the individual costs of all the digital media assets, including available and expected, within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets.
19. The method as recited in
determining whether one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have subsequently been made available; and
sending an electronic notification to the client device or its user that the one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have subsequently been made available.
20. The method as recited in
subsequently receiving a request to cancel the purchase of a remaining portion of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets.
21. The method as recited in
processing at least a partial refund for the related series of digital media assets so long as not all of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have not been made available or delivered.
23. The method as recited in
25. The method as recited in
processing at least a partial electronic payment for the purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets after completion of delivery of one or more of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets.
27. The computer readable medium as recited in
28. The computer readable medium as recited in
computer program code for determining whether one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have subsequently been made available; and
computer program code for sending an electronic notification to the client device or its user that the one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have subsequently been made available.
29. The computer readable medium as recited in
wherein at the time of purchase only a portion of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets are available,
wherein at the time of purchase, the cost applied to a user account is a pro-rata amount of a total series cost, the pro-rata amount of the total series cost being determined dependent on (i) the number of digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets that are available at the time of purchase and (ii) the total number of digital media assets expected in the related series of digital media assets, and
wherein, as other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets subsequently are made available, an additional portion of the total series cost is applied to the user account.
30. The computer readable medium as recited in
32. The media system as recited in
an import engine for receiving episodes from media content providers, the episodes include media content and descriptive information,
wherein using the descriptive information, each of the received episodes can be automatically added to the data storage device in a manner so as to correspond to the appropriate related series.
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This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/247,948, filed Oct. 10, 2005, and entitled “ON-LINE MEDIA STORE THAT SUPPORTS PRE-ORDERING OF DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/212,314, filed Aug. 24, 2005, and entitled “ON-LINE MEDIA STORE THAT SUPPORTS PRE-ORDERING OF DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/675,731, filed Apr. 27, 2005, and entitled “ON-LINE MEDIA STORE THAT SUPPORTS PRE-ORDERING OF DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/675,731, filed Apr. 27, 2005, and entitled “ON-LINE MEDIA STORE THAT SUPPORTS PRE-ORDERING OF DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
This application is also related to: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/833,267, filed Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NETWORK-BASED PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MEDIA,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/687,534, filed Oct. 15, 2003, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUBMITTING MEDIA FOR NETWORK-BASED PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to digital media assets and, more particularly, to network-based purchase of sets of digital media assets.
2. Description of the Related Art
Television shows are recorded and then scheduled for broadcast to viewers over cable or airwaves. Often the television shows are daily or weekly programs. As such, in a given season of television shows, many shows will provide a number of different episodes that are broadcast over the course of the season. Users can receive and view the shows at the specific times of their broadcast. However, after the episodes have been broadcasted, the episodes are not readily available, unless a user has recorded the broadcast onto a tape (e.g., VHS tape), DVD or data storage drive (e.g., TIVO). Occasionally, a previously broadcasted episode of a show will be re-broadcast (known as a “re-run”). After a season is over, a media company owning rights in a television show may package the various episodes of a show onto a DVD and offer the DVD for sale at retail stores. For example, an entire season of episodes of a particular television show can be provided on a DVD and sold.
Recently, videos have become available for download from media servers located on the Internet. Unfortunately, when a video pertains to a show that has a season of episodes, the user has to access, locate and download each of the episodes for the show. This is time consuming and burdensome on the user, particularly since the episodes are released over the course of the season. Thus, there is a need for improved approaches to acquiring a season of shows from an on-line media source.
The invention pertains to acquiring a media season, or a related series, of digital media assets. The digital media assets are electronically delivered, such as from an on-line media store. A user can view various media seasons that have been listed as available for purchase from the on-line media store. A user can choose to purchase a particular media season, either before or during the season. Subsequent to the purchase of the particular media season, digital media assets of the particular media season can be delivered to the user once the digital media assets become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery can be automatically processed.
According to one aspect of the invention, a season, or related series, of digital media assets can be purchased as a set. Often, the set can be purchased at a lower price than would be charged if the digital media assets were individually purchased. Typically, none or some but not all of the digital media assets of the set are available at the time of purchase. Consequently, as the digital media assets become available, they are associated with the set and can be delivered to the user.
In one embodiment, the digital media assets of a particular media season, or related season, are episodes of a show, such as a television show or event. The episodes, in one example, are audiovisual media content, such as video content.
The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including graphical user interface), or computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below.
As a method for acquiring a related series of digital media assets from an on-line media store, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: presenting a plurality of related series of digital media assets that are available for purchase on the on-line media store; receiving a selection of one of the related series of digital media assets to be purchased; initiating purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets; and permitting delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets.
As a computer readable medium including at least computer program code for acquiring a related series of digital media assets from an on-line media store, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: computer program code for presenting a plurality of related series of digital media assets that are available for purchase on the on-line media store; computer program code for receiving a selection of one of the related series of digital media assets to be purchased; computer program code for initiating purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets; and computer program code for permitting delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets.
As a media server, one embodiment includes at least one data storage device and a data processing unit. The at least one data storage device stores (i) season product information that contains characteristics on a plurality of related series, (ii) related series information, the related series object relates a plurality of episodes to each of the plurality of related series, and (iii) the plurality of episodes or pointers thereto. The data processing unit performs a purchase process to enable users to select one or more of the related series for purchase, and a fulfillment process to deliver, to the user that has purchased such, the episodes for the purchased one of more of the related series as they become available.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
The invention pertains to acquiring a media season, or a related series, of digital media assets. The digital media assets are electronically delivered, such as from an on-line media store. A user can view various media seasons that have been listed as available for purchase from the on-line media store. A user can choose to purchase a particular media season, either before or during the season. Subsequent to the purchase of the particular media season, digital media assets of the particular media season can be delivered to the user once the digital media assets become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery can be automatically processed.
According to one aspect of the invention, a season, or related series, of digital media assets can be purchased as a set. Often, the set can be purchased at a lower price than would be charged if the digital media assets were individually purchased. Typically, none or some but not all of the digital media assets of the set are available at the time of purchase. Consequently, as the digital media assets become available, they are associated with the set and can be delivered to the user.
In one embodiment, the digital media assets of a particular media season, or related season, are episodes of a show, such as a television show or event. The episodes, in one example, are audiovisual media content, such as video content.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to
The invention pertains to a system and method for acquiring a season of digital media assets over a network. A potential purchaser can search and browse through numerous seasons of digital media assets that are available for purchase. A potential purchaser can purchase a season of digital media assets, including numerous episodes, with a single transaction. Upon purchasing a season, as the digital media assets become available, they are made available to the purchaser. A season of digital media assets can correspond to a show or event. The digital media assets can also be referred to as episodes. Regardless, the digital media assets can pertain to audiovisual content, such as videos or movies.
A computer program 108, typically a media management application (MMA) or other media player application, runs on the client device 104. One example of a media management application is the iTunes® application, produced by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The client devices 104 are, in general, computing devices. As an example, the client devices 104 can be specific or general-purpose personal computers or portable media players. One example of a portable media player suitable for use with the invention is the iPod® media player, also produced by Apple Computer, Inc. The computer program 108 can be used by a consumer for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to: (i) browsing and/or purchasing media assets (including seasons of media assets) from the on-line media store provided by the media store server 102, (ii) creating and sharing media asset groups (e.g., playlists), (iii) organizing media assets, (iv) presenting/playing media assets, and (v) transferring media assets between client devices 104.
The media purchase system 100 can also include a digital asset manager 114. The digital asset manager 114 is coupled to a media assets database 116. The media assets database 116 stores media asset information including metadata relating to digital media assets available for purchase at the on-line media store. In one embodiment, the digital asset manager 114 can control what media assets and media asset information are available on the on-line media store. The metadata can pertain to individual media assets (digital media assets) or media asset groups (digital media asset groups). One type of group of digital media assets is a season or a series of media assets. Media assets can include, but are not limited to, video, music, text, and/or graphics files.
The media store server 102 enables the user of a particular client device 104 to purchase a set (e.g., season or series) of media assets (e.g., videos or songs) through on-line transactions. On-line transactions to purchase media items are also referred to as electronic commerce (e-commerce). Subsequently, the client device 104 can download the purchased media assets from the media store server 102, or some other server, via the data network 106. As will be understood by those familiar with data networks, other network configurations are possible. Furthermore, while the media store server 102 and the digital asset manager 114 are shown as individual and separate devices, it will be understood by those familiar with the art that other configurations are possible. As one example, each device can be implemented such that it is distributed over multiple server computers. As another example, these various servers and/or managers can be implemented by a single physical server computer.
The media season management system 200 includes season product characteristics 202 for a plurality of media seasons. The season product characteristics 202 describe attributes of the media seasons which are made available and managed by the media season management system 200. For example, the attributes of a media season can include title, price, type, start and end dates, number of expected episodes, countries of distribution, etc. Each of the seasons has a related series of episodes associated therewith. For example, a particular media season has an associated related series 204. The related series 204 pertains to a group of episodes 206 that are associated with the particular media season. For example, the media season can pertain to a television show, and thus the related series 204 includes a plurality of episodes that pertain to the television show in the given media season. As another example, the media season can pertain to an event, such as a sporting event, and thus the related series 204 includes a plurality of episodes that pertain to the event in the given media season. Typically, the episodes of a series or media season are developed over the length of the season. For example, some related series have new episodes weekly, others have new episodes daily, etc. As these new episodes become available from content providers, the new episodes can be imported into the media season management system 200 by an import process 208. The import process 208 is automated such that the electronic delivery of new episodes can be automatically placed in the appropriate related series 204 as additional episodes 206 pertaining to a particular media season. To assist with the automatic import process 208, the new episodes contain metadata that describes certain characteristics of the new episodes. For example, the metadata can indicate the season or related series (i.e., title) and episode number for the new episode.
The media season management system 200 also maintains recorded users 210. The recorded users are those users that are recorded as having access to a season product. Typically, a user will become a recorded user when the user purchases access to a particular media season. The recorded users 210 are thus associated with the particular media season that they have permission to access. The recorded users 210 can also indicate one or more preferences they have regarding fulfillment of their access to the media seasons.
The media season management system 200 also includes a fulfillment process 212. The fulfillment process 212 operates to recognize the presence of new episodes 206 and then determines if there are any recorded users 210 that are to be notified about the presence of a new episode regarding a particular media season that they have permission to access. When the fulfillment process 212 determines that a particular user is to be provided with a new episode 206, then the fulfillment process 212 can provide the new episode 206 to a user queue 214 associated with the particular user.
The media season management system 200 also includes a delivery manager 216. The delivery manager 216 operates to assist with the delivery of the new episodes from the user queues 214 to the corresponding client devices. For example, the delivery manager 216 can electronically deliver (e.g., download) the new episodes from the appropriate user queue 214 to the corresponding client device when requested by a user or automatically upon accessing an on-line media store that incorporates or couples to the media season management system 200. In addition, in one embodiment, the fulfillment process 212 could initiate or provide an email notification to the particular user that the new episode is now available to be acquired (e.g., downloaded) by the particular user.
The media series acquisition process 250 initially presents 252 a plurality of related series of digital media assets available from an on-line media store. The related series of digital media assets can pertain to a media season, such as a media season for a particular show or event. For example, the media season can pertain to the 2005 media season for the television show “24”. As another example, the media season can pertain to the 2005 National Football League (NFL) season, namely, all games, highlights, or commentary. The presenting 252 of the plurality of related series is typically presented on a display device of a client device associated with a user. The user typically interacts with the client device so as to browse, search or otherwise navigate an on-line media store to review different available related series. At some point, the user can opt to purchase one of the plurality of related series that are being presented 252. Hence, a decision 254 determines whether a selected series is to be purchased. When the decision 254 determines that a selected series is not to be purchased, the media series acquisition process 250 can return to repeat the block 252 so that the user can continue to review the available related series. On the other hand, when the decision 254 determines that a related series is to be purchased, purchase of the selected series of digital media assets is initiated 256. The processing of the purchase can be performed immediately or can be deferred or can be partially performed. In one embodiment, the purchase price for the selected series of digital media assets is not completely charged or otherwise imposed on the purchaser at the time of initial purchase. Instead, the purchase price can be prorated over the episodes associated with the selected series. In any case, after the purchase of the selected series of digital media assets has been at least initiated 256, delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected series can be permitted 258. When the delivery of the available ones of the digital media assets is permitted 258, the purchaser (user) is able to gain access to the available digital media assets. For example, the available digital media assets might immediately be downloaded to the client device associated with the purchaser, or the available digital media assets can be downloaded at a later point in time when more convenient for the purchaser. Following the block 258, the media series acquisition process 250 ends.
Next, a decision 306 determines whether a season purchase request has been received. When the decision 306 determines that a season purchase request has not been received, a decision 308 determines whether the season purchase request process 300 should be exited. When the decision 308 determines that the season purchase request process 300 should not be exited, then the season purchase request process 300 returns to repeat the operation 304 and subsequent operations. Alternatively, when the decision 306 determines that the season purchase request process 300 should exit, then the season purchase request process 300 ends. In one embodiment, when media store content for a season is displayed by the on-line media store, a “season purchase” control (e.g., button) can be presented to the user. By selection of the “season purchase” control, the user can initiate a season purchase request.
On the other hand, when the decision 306 determines that a season purchase request has been received, then a decision 310 determines whether the user is logged-in to the on-line media store. When the decision 310 determines that the user is not currently logged-in to the on-line media store, a user login is requested 312. A decision 314 then determines whether the login has been successful. As an example, the user will submit login information, such as a user name and/or password, which is evaluated to determine whether the user is permitted to login. When the decision 314 determines that login was not successful, the season purchase request is denied 316. Alternatively, when the decision 310 determines that the user is already logged-in, or when the decision 314 determines that the user has just successfully logged-in, the season purchase for a particular season of digital media assets is processed 318 for the registered user. For example, the season purchase can be purchased such that it is associated with the registered user (e.g., associated with the user account for the registered user) so that the registered user is able to acquire the various digital media assets within the particular season that has been purchased. Following the operation 316 or 318, the season purchase request process 300 returns to repeat the operation 304 and subsequent operations so that additional interaction 304 with the on-line media store is permitted, including making additional season purchase requests if so desired.
The season purchase process 340 begins with a decision 342. The decision 342 determines whether the purchaser (user) has confirmed purchase of the particular season being purchased. The season can also be referred to as a media season. When the decision 342 determines that the user has not confirmed purchase of the media season, then the season purchase process 340 returns back to the block 304 illustrated in
On the other hand, when the decision 342 determines that the user has confirmed purchase of the particular season, the season purchase for the registered user is recorded 344. For example, the season purchase can be recorded 344 in the recorded users 210 of the media season management system 200 illustrated in
After the season purchase for the registered user has been recorded 344, a decision 346 determines whether there are existing episodes for the media season that has been purchased. When the decision 346 determines that there are existing episodes, then the existing episodes are rendered 348 available for download. This permits the registered user to acquire the existing episodes at or soon after the time of purchase of the media season. Payment for the media season is also processed 350. Typically, the payment is processed such that only a portion of the total cost of the media season is initially imposed or charged to the registered user. In other words, the total cost for the media season can be pro-rated with respect to the percentage of existing episodes that are initially available as compared to the total number of episodes expected to be provided during the media season. Following the block 350, the season purchase process 340 ends and processing can return to block 304 of the season purchase request process 300 illustrated in
Although the season purchase process 340 permits the registered user to acquire the existing episodes at or soon after the time of purchase of the media season, in some embodiments there are no prior episodes to be delivered. For example, if the media season has not yet started, there are no episodes.
A media season can include all episodes of a show or event corresponding to a particular media season. A media season can consist of a predetermined number of consecutive episodes of a show or event. For example, the media season being purchased can be defined as forward looking, meaning that only a current episode and future episodes are contained in the media season for the registered user. Consequently, different registered users can get a different set of episodes depending on when they purchase the media season. A media season can include episodes containing audiovisual content regarding highlights of one or more events, shows, or programs. For example, the media season can be audiovisual highlights for a particular sporting event.
The episode listing area 368 illustrates those of the episodes that are currently available for the associated media season being described in the media season information area 366. In this example, the episode listing area 368 indicates the presence of two episodes, namely, “Episode 1” and “Episode 2.” For each of the available episodes listed in the episode listing area, the name, time (duration), show and description for such episodes can be displayed in the episode listing area 368.
The season purchase confirmation window 380 includes a media source portion 382 and a media season portion 384. The media source portion 382 indicates that a “Media Store” source has been selected, such that the media season portion 384 is displaying information provided by an on-line media store. The media season portion 384 includes a confirmation area 386 and an episode listing area 388. The episode listing area 388 is similar to the episode listing area 368 illustrated in
When the decision 402 determines that there are episodes that are newly available, the episode notification process 400 performs processing operations for each of the episodes that are now newly available. In particular, a first newly available episode is selected 404. Next, an availability notification message is prepared 406. The availability notification message is then sent 408 to the appropriate users that have purchased the media season for which the episode pertains. As an example, the availability notification message can be implemented as an electronic mail (email) message. However, as noted in
Following the operation 408, the episode notification process 400 determines at decision 410 whether more episodes are to be processed. In other words, when the decision 410 determines that there are other newly available episodes to be processed, the episode notification process 400 returns to repeat the operation 404 so that a next newly available episode can be similarly processed. Alternatively, when the decision 410 determines that there are no more other newly available episodes to be processed, the episode notification process 400 is complete and ends.
The episode delivery process 500 initially involves access 502 to an on-line media store. Typically, a user gains access 502 to the on-line media store via a data network, such as the Internet. After the user has access 502 to the on-line media store, the user can interact 504 with the on-line store. Certain interactions with the on-line media store, such as purchasing and downloading, require that the user be a registered user. In this regard, the on-line media store requires that a user log in to authenticate that the user is indeed a registered user of the on-line media store. Hence, when the interaction 504 requires such login, a decision 506 determines whether the user has successfully logged in to the on-line media store. When the decision 506 determines that the user has not yet logged in, then the episode delivery process 500 returns to repeat the operation 504 for other interaction with the on-line media store.
On the other hand, when the decision 506 determines that the user has successfully logged-in, a decision 508 determines whether there are any available episodes for the user. When the decision 508 determines that there are one or more available episodes for the user, an indication of the one or more available episodes is displayed 510 for the user. For example, a dialog box can be presented on a display screen that the user is able to view. The dialog box can list the one or more available episodes and allow the user to initiate download of the one or more available episodes.
Thereafter, a decision 512 determines whether the user desires to download the one or more available episodes at this time. When the decision 512 determines that the user does desire to download one or more of the available episodes, download of one or more of the available episodes is performed 514. Also, the revenue associated with the one or more of the available episodes that have been downloaded can then be recognized 516. Alternatively, when the decision 512 determines that none of the available episodes are to be downloaded, the operations 514 and 516 are bypassed. In this case, the user can choose to either defer the download of the one or more available episodes or cancel the media season. Following the decision 512 when download is not performed, or following the operation 516 following download and revenue recognition, additional interaction 518 with the on-line media store can be provided for the user. Additionally, following the decision 508 when there are no available episodes for the user, the episode delivery process 500 bypasses the operations 510-516 and proceeds to permit the additional interaction 518 with the on-line media store. Eventually, when no further interaction 518 with the on-line media store is desired, the episode delivery process 500 ends.
In addition, even after a media season has been purchased, the purchaser (i.e., registered user) can subsequently cancel the media season.
Additionally, a season management page can be made available to a user. The season management page can allow the user to view status, cancel or otherwise manage any of the media seasons that they may have purchased. For example, the season management page could display a list of active media seasons that are associated with the user (e.g., associated with a user's account with the on-line media store). Then, through interaction with the season management page, the user can cancel one or more of the media seasons. The user might also be able to check the status of the media seasons. Once one of the media seasons is completed or fulfilled (e.g., all episodes downloaded), the media season is completed and can be removed from the list of active media seasons and, if desired, can be added to a list of completed media seasons and/or a purchase history page that is also available to the user.
The digital media assets (i.e., digital media items) can pertain to video items (e.g., video files or movies), audio items (e.g., audio files or audio tracks, such as for songs (music) or audiobooks), or image items (e.g., photos). The digital media assets can also include or be supplemented by text or multimedia files.
The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations.
The invention is preferably implemented by software, but can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that seasons of digital media assets can be supported by an on-line media store. Another advantage of the invention is that a season of digital media assets can be purchased and an initial portion of digital media assets of the season delivered, while a remaining portion of digital media assets of the season can be subsequently delivered when they later become available. Another advantage of the invention is that an entire season of digital media assets can be purchased with a single transaction even though the season has not completed. Still another advantage of the invention is that seasons of digital media assets can be managed via an on-line media store.
The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.
Burkholder, Thomas, Anderson, Alexandrea, Shimizu, Debbie, Kondrk, Robert, Meldrum, Colin, Gautier, Patrice, d'Errico, Elizabeth
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